After brawl in St. Paul's East Side, 3 arrested

Three people were arrested Friday night after a large fight broke out at a McDonald's in St. Paul's East Side.

Officers were called to the area of Maryland Avenue East and Clarence Street around shortly before 10 p.m. on reports that a large fight had broken out, according to St. Paul Police Commander Gayle Porter-Johnson.

Pete Barrett, of St. Paul, said he was walking up Maryland Avenue at the time and called police. He estimated there were between 15 and 20 people involved in the fight, which began in the parking lot before spilling into the sidewalk and intersection.

It took the first officer between two and three minutes to respond, he said. The responding officer was alone for at least another five minutes.

Two people were arrested for rioting and a third for obstructing legal process. One person was also assaulted, though Porter-Johnson said she did not know the nature or extent of the injuries sustained.

No extensive property damage was reported, according to Porter-Johnson.

In recent weeks, the East Side has been plagued by violence and disruption from large groups of mostly young people.

St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith recently announced an effort to add 30 officers to East Side patrols. The police department also kicked off "Operation Blue Wave" on Thursday.

The goal of that initiative is to "saturate" the area with "all available resources" in the hopes that an increased police presence will cut down on "mischief," Porter-Johnson said.